Repentance is readiness

To the Redeemed in Christ and all who seek the Lord, grace, and peace be unto you.

I write to you concerning the matter of repentance, that most precious gift which is the threshold of salvation, the turning of the heart toward God, and the cornerstone of all who would walk in holiness. For repentance is no mere human resolve; it is a divine grace, a spiritual turning, and the fruit of God’s kindness. As it is written, "It is the goodness of God that leads you to repentance" (Romans 2:4). Let us then meditate upon its nature, purpose, and power.

As I wrote this epistle, I meditated on it very actively as I too am in great need of its message. I too need to stand ready, to cast away what is evil and remain in steadfast prayer and repentance acknowledging my faults before God and seeking daily sanctification from him. The days are evil, and readiness is paramount. To remain in repentance is to remain vigilant.

The Call to Repentance: A Divine Initiative

Repentance begins not with man but with God, for "no one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44). The heart of man, being "desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9), cannot perceive the beauty of holiness nor the gravity of sin unless the Spirit of God enlightens his eyes. This drawing is the sovereign work of God, as demonstrated in the parables of Jesus: the shepherd seeks the lost sheep, and the woman diligently searches for her lost coin (Luke 15). Repentance, therefore, is born of divine grace, not human merit.

Yet, repentance requires a response, for God commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). This dual truth—that repentance is both a gift and a command—reveals the mystery of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility.

The Nature of True Repentance

True repentance is not mere sorrow for sin, though godly sorrow produces repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). It is more than the fear of judgment, though "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). True repentance is a change of mind (metanoia) that transforms the entire person, redirecting the affections, the will, and the actions toward God.

Repentance begins with the recognition of sin, as the light of God exposes the darkness within us. "Against You, You only, have I sinned," cried David (Psalm 51:4), acknowledging that sin is foremost an affront to God’s holiness. Yet, it does not end there; it must progress to a hatred of sin and a turning from it. As Ezekiel declares, "Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit" (Ezekiel 18:31).

The Fruit of Repentance

Repentance must bear fruit, as John the Baptist warned: "Bear fruits in keeping with repentance" (Luke 3:8). Such fruit includes humility, confession, and obedience. The repentant soul does not seek to justify itself but cries with the tax collector, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Repentance leads to forgiveness and restoration, as the prodigal son discovered when he returned to his father, saying, "I have sinned against heaven and before you" (Luke 15:18).

Moreover, repentance produces holiness, for it turns the heart toward God and away from sin. It is not a one-time act but a lifelong posture, as the apostle Paul teaches: "I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27).

The Eschatological Urgency of Repentance

Repentance holds a special urgency in light of the prophetic timeline revealed in Scripture. The seals, trumpets, and bowls of Revelation testify to the coming judgment of God upon an unrepentant world. The call to repentance echoes through the ages, from the prophets who warned Israel, to John the Baptist who prepared the way of the Lord, to Jesus Himself, who declared, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).

Even in the midst of judgment, God extends His mercy, as seen in the interlude of Revelation 11, where the two witnesses prophesy and call the nations to repent. Yet, many refuse, "blaspheming the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and they did not repent of their deeds" (Revelation 16:11).

This stubbornness aligns with the prophetic pattern of hard-heartedness seen in Pharaoh, Israel’s apostasy, and the rebellion of the nations. Yet, for the remnant who heed the call, repentance leads to salvation, as Joel proclaims: "Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love" (Joel 2:13).

The Role of Repentance in Covenant Renewal

Repentance is not merely individual; it is communal and covenantal. The prophets repeatedly called Israel to repent and renew their covenant with God. Likewise, the Church is called to repentance, especially in times of spiritual complacency or apostasy. Jesus’ letters to the seven churches in Revelation highlight this: "Repent, and do the works you did at first" (Revelation 2:5).

Repentance restores fellowship with God, aligns His people with His purposes, and prepares them for His return. As the Day of the Lord approaches, the Church must heed the call to repent and purify itself, for Christ is returning for a spotless bride (Ephesians 5:27).

The Joy of Repentance

Repentance is not only a duty but a joy, for it leads to life and restoration. Jesus declared, "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). The repentant heart experiences the joy of salvation, as David prayed: "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (Psalm 51:12).

Moreover, repentance prepares the way for revival, both personal and corporate. As the psalmist prays, "Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" (Psalm 85:6). Every great move of God has been preceded by repentance, from Nineveh’s sackcloth and ashes to the revivals of the Church.

Conclusion: The Call to Turn

Beloved, the time is short, and the call is urgent. "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:6–7).

Repentance is not the end but the beginning, the doorway to salvation, sanctification, and eternal life. Do not be mistaken, repentance is not an act of works. It is an act of abiding in Jesus, remaining in him and confessing our utter inability to draw closer to God apart from him. He is the door, he is the way, he is the life. To daily repent is to daily go to him and acknowledge your weakness and your need for him and to cling to his sole ability to sustain and keep you. If to repent is to acknowledge sin, it follows that it is also confess total dependance on Jesus.

As I mentioned in my opening post on this website; we are very close to the coming of the Lord. He will come like a thief in the night. We may be able to discern the seasons, but rest assured his coming will be swift and unexpected--to stand ready is to remain in repentance; to remain entirely dependent on the gospel--the power of God; that is the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world...resurrected in power and calling us to abide in him and remain rooted in him.

May we, therefore, repent daily, turning from sin and turning to God, that we may be found blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Faithfully,
The Watchman